A selection of works by Beethoven, Debussy, Scriabin, Copland, and Suk (with Danae Schulz, violin).

https://arts.hmc.edu/Recital-David-Nembhard-Piano-Spring-2026

SAMĀ is inspired by the Sufi practice of Sama (“listening”), which is a form of Dhikr (“holy remembrance of the divine”). The most recognized expression of the Sema is the whirling dervish tradition of the Mevlana Order, founded by the 12th Century poet Rumi. Many Sufi practices use music and movement to attain the ecstatic, trance-like state that is the heart of Sema.

The concepts behind SAMĀ are influenced by a number of spiritual practices beyond the Sufi tradition. The goal of the work is not to intimate or even evoke these practices, instead, SAMĀ utilizes the artistic tools of these traditions (drone based music, repetitive visual and rhythmic patterns, ceremonial gesture, bilateral stimulation, etc.) to create a ritual space where performers, and by proxy the audience, can drop into an altered state of consciousness.

SAMĀ is conceptualized as an immersive audio-visual experience for both performers and audience members, featuring live sound, movement, projected animations, and lighting design.

Like the whirling dervishes and all transcendental ritual traditions, the purpose of SAMĀ is to find and share meaningful overlap between performance and prayer.

Tickets for Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th can be purchased at the link below:
https://www.resonancecollective.org/sama-at-highways

"if not numbers" is a semi-staged concept album for 2 vocalists, live electronics, and organ. LA-based vocalists Margaret McGlynn and Aria Gittelson spend an evening conversing as "User" and "Computer", and explore the relationship between humans and technology, particularly focusing on the rise of Artificial Intelligence.

Aria Gittelson is a composer, songwriter, and vocal artist from Southern California. They have a BM from the Bob Cole Conservatory in Long Beach, where they premiered their song cycle “purgatory” for their Bachelor’s recital. Aria has written for the Four Corners Ensemble through their program “Operation Opera”, and has had work premiere in the 2024 and 2025 NEO Voice Festival.

Margaret McGlynn, also performing as Mousey, is an Irish-born composer and versatile vocalist, known for her distinctive fusion of electronic and contemporary classical music.
Mousey has graced stages such as Low End Theory and Coachella, where she continues to perform as a resident of Beat Cinema. In the classical world, Margaret has been a featured vocalist with Vox Femina at Carnegie Hall, sung with the LA Master Chorale and LACO, and regularly sings with the contemporary ensemble C3LA.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/if-not-numbers-aria-gittelson-and-margaret-mcglynn-tickets-1866581729199?aff=oddtdtcreator